Svenska Spel slams Swedish Gambling Authority’s “patchwork” anti-match-fixing proposals

Patrik Hofbauer, CEO of Svenska Spel, Sweden’s largest gambling operator, has blasted new regulatory standards aimed at preventing match-fixing as a “patchwork with very large holes in it”.

Writing on the Svenska Spel website, Hofbauer claims Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA) proposals to ban sports betting on yellow and red cards while not outlawing betting on corners and free kicks are inconsistent.

“Unfortunately, we are forced to conclude that the Gaming Inspectorate’s proposal is both inadequate and inconsistent. It lacks basic parameters to safeguard sports, counteract gambling and strengthen consumer protection,” Hofbauer said.

Hofbauer claims the inconsistency in the proposals is due to an SGA need to avoid a reduction in channelisation to Swedish-licensed operators, something which he suggests is a “pretty unjustified” fear.

The SGA claimed the implementation of “very extensive” regulations in this area would reduce channelisation rates when the proposals were first published in January,

In addition, Hofbauer highlights the absence of anti-match-fixing regulations for the lower division of Swedish football, citing recent instances of alleged match-fixing behaviour in the second tier of Swedish football.

Hofbauer also cites the absence of regulations governing Swedish-licensed operators offering betting on leagues outside of Sweden as further evidence of the inconsistency in the new standards.

“The proposal for geographical restriction neither strengthens consumer protection nor protects sport. Serious gaming companies should be loyal to the sport no matter where it is run,” Hofbauer added.

Under the proposed SGA changes, betting on whether penalties will be awarded, penalty conversions, red or yellow cards, warnings and disqualifications or similar events will be banned.

The consultation on proposed SGA regulations on anti-match-fixing will close on 14 February.